Maoists set condition for releasing abducted police officer

The Maoists on Tuesday demanded the release of women arrested by the joint forces as a condition for freeing abducted police officer Atindranath Dutta.

Top Maoist leader Kishenji told this to PTI over phone from an undisclosed location.

Asked if there is any specification about the women captives, Kishenji said, "Initially we want release of all women between the age group of 40 to 60 and then women who have children at their homes".

Asked if Dutta, the officer-in-charge of Sankaril police station in West Midnapore district, will be eliminated if the demands are not met, Kishenji said, "At present we cannot say what will be the fate of the officer if the government turns a deaf ear to our demands but as a rule the Maoists never kill a 'Prisoner of War'.

"We request the government to look into our demands seriously and not take it casually," Kishenji said.